None of us are alone. Something or someone always keeps us company. Few stay on to ruin our happiness; few others take away happiness as they leave. The one that I cherish steers clear of both.
Those were the days when Television, Mobile Phone or the Social Media weren't there to disturb or distract us. We had ample time to stay engaged. In between, we tuned in to the radio to unwind. The programmes were entertaining and diverting. One perfect example was the 'Binaca Geetmala'.
Many in today's generation might wonder, what's so special about 'Binaca Geetmala'. This was the programme that introduced us to the melodious world of Hindi film songs. We heard the best of songs in a weekly countdown format. We also learnt about the geniuses who created them. Such was its mass appeal that the raging linguistic differences prevailing in certain parts of India were forgotten. Slowly and steadily, 'Binaca Geetmala', a habit by then, was beginning to mould our musical taste.
The credit for launching this most popular Radio programme in South Asia must go to Radio Ceylon. It readily and promptly grabbed the opportunity, All India Radio squandered through an incomprehensible ban on film songs. The prime mover behind this incredible journey that went on for a record breaking 45 years, was the show's anchor, Padma Shree Ameen Sayani, 'the man with the golden voice'. He gave a new definition to Programme Hosting, galvanised Radio Advertising, and set a benchmark for others to follow.
Years have passed. The nostalgic feel is still alive. And the reason can best be summed up thus:
“My listeners are like family. I may be reaching out to multitudes, but I speak as though I am talking to just one individual.”
- Ameen Sayani -
*A take off on the 1969 film, 'If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium' by Wolper Pictures/United Artists.
Comments
Songs may pour out of a hung 'Panasonic' transistor or a grounded 'Murphy' radio the sweetness was unending.
Still wondering why such a popular programme like 'Binaca Geetmala' used to be broadcast from Radio Ceylon and not from 'Vividh Bharati' or any other hindi radio station.
One needed a short wave enabled transistor/radio to receive the frequency and not medium wave one, which was less expensive.
Good things were always dearer!
Who can ever forget these welcoming words, which were as sweet as the songs that followed?
Thanks.
Yes, it wasn't easy to catch Radio Ceylon on 11800 KHZ (SW 25M Band) and 7075 KHZ (SW 41M Band) because of low power transmission. But the struggle was worth beyond any stretch of imagination.
You made me think of my radio as well (coincidentally a Murphy) and the cumbersome antenna erected atop my house! Thanks Partha Deb.
After reading your post I searched and listened to old recordings of binaca geetmala.There is no wonder why you are admiring Ameen sayani.Thank you for sharing.
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Thanks Raj for bringing back those sweet memories.
Thank you Sir, for a well written account of lovely memories of those times.
This is beautiful article which brought those musical memories back on surface of every music lover.
Good writing Raj. Keep going.